Don’t Fall in Love with a Pretty Face: Revealing the Red Flags of Our Manhwa Guys
Are you a manhwa addict, often finding yourself indulging in the intoxicating allure of these toxic yet irresistible characters? Well, I can’t blame you. After all, who can resist those swoon-worthy faces? But be cautious, for this fascination can take a wrong turn when you bring these obsessions into real life, becoming trapped in a loop of infatuation with someone who waves countless red flags. So, here I am, ready to list down the characteristics of our beloved manhwa guys that should raise caution in real-life relationships.
You know it, they are not REAL. You think the admiration you’re feeling towards these toxic but handsome guys is fine since they are all just fictitious.
However, danger can start creeping in once you start thinking that it’s okay to stick with someone who possesses all those red flags, simply because you associate them with the alluring traits of our ever-charming manhwa characters
You never know, but maybe behind those innocent looks and gentleman actions, there is a personality you have to be wary of.
Hence, I am here to share with you a compilation of less-than-ideal aspects you should remain vigilant about as you embark on a romantic journey. Being a fellow Manhwa addict myself (I can devour 50 chapters in a single night, haha), I will be referring to certain characters who possess unmistakable red flag traits.
PS. If you are also interested in reading the green flag traits, you may click this article I made. https://link.medium.com/9Jn3ZpJOhBb
1. Si-yun Baek from Dreaming Freedom
Red flag: Obsessive
I know, he’s hot. I can already see it once he appeared in the chapters, but I am always denying it since well, he’s helping the main lead. He is the only one who is there when she is falling.
Who would not fall in love with a guy like that?
Despite his undeniable handsomeness, charm, and irresistible appeal (goodness), this guy falls into the category of being obsessive.
While they may initially appear as goody two-shoes due to their unwavering faithfulness and undivided attention, excessive possessiveness is far from healthy.
Who would go to the extent of hurting himself just to gain the attention of his loved one? Si-yun.
Who dedicates all of his precious time solely to you? Si-yun.
Who becomes possessive, forbidding his loved one from being touched or even talking to others? Si-yun.
These behaviors are highly concerning in a partner. While they may initially appear as goody two-shoes due to their unwavering faithfulness and undivided attention, excessive possessiveness is far from healthy.
It is essential to recognize that such behavior stems from obsession. Although we might wish to be with our partners 24/7, the reality is that such intensity is unsustainable and ultimately detrimental to a relationship.
2. Minu Kang from Operation: True Love
Red flag: Opportunistic
I hate this guy.
He stayed because you have something he is looking for — and no, this is not something romantic. It is something that that will not benefit you but him in the long run.
He may initially seem like a good guy, but when you desire a deeper emotional connection and someone to lean on during difficult times, he is consistently absent. He harbors a hidden personal agenda, prioritizing his own goals above your well-being, even if it means causing you harm.
A genuine man will stand by your side, even when there is nothing to gain, purely because he loves you.
This is inherently unfair, particularly when you are investing so much in the relationship. The problem lies in the fact that he only loves what he can gain from you, rather than loving you for who you are. A genuine man will stand by your side, even when there is nothing to gain, purely because he loves you.
Unfortunately, what can you expect from someone who doesn’t truly care about you and is only using you? If you ever find yourself feeling used in a relationship you’re pursuing, I have one piece of advice for you: RUN.
A healthy relationship is built on a foundation of give-and-take. It will drain you if you are the only one constantly giving pure affection without receiving it in return. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and seek a relationship where mutual love and support are present.
3. Sovieshu Vikt from Remarried Empress
Red flag: Cheater
Oh, this guys has always been pissing me off every single time.
Navier, the female lead, embodies all the qualities of an exceptional wife — beautiful, wise, demure, and powerful. However, this guy fails to see it and has the audacity to bring another woman into their home.
Need I say more? Sovieshu’s portrayal of cheating may be exaggerated, but it serves as a reminder that any form of infidelity is utterly unacceptable. Even engaging in conversations with the slightest hint of malice can be considered unfaithful.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
So, people, when you discover that your special someone has a history of cheating, it’s crucial to be more cautious. Trust your instincts. Most of the time, if you have that gut feeling, something is truly amiss.
Sometimes, it’s far better to take flight rather than engage in a fight, especially for someone who fails to see your true worth. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
4. Riftan Calypse from Under the Oak Tree
Red flag: Overprotective
Among the characters I have encountered, Riftan stands on a pedestal. He is the most caring and faithful male lead I have ever come across.
I remember how he was willing to give up everything, including his kingdom, just to be with Maxi, the female lead. That’s the level of dedication he has towards her. He doesn’t want anything or anyone to hurt the love of his life, and he can become quite possessive about it.
However, the problem arises when Maxi starts pursuing her own dreams. Initially, she believed she was useless, but credits to Riftan, she finally realizes her worth.
Although, when Maxi begins to step out of her comfort zone, he becomes annoying. He wants her to just stay still, do nothing, and let him handle everything.
He constantly insists on keeping Maxi in her safest place. But we all know that we cannot grow or achieve anything significant if we never take risks. As someone who desires to explore and experience new things, this becomes a major red flag for me.
So, it’s essential to be wary of people who consistently keep you within your comfort zone. While their intentions may stem from genuine concern and care for your well-being, it should never be an excuse to hinder you from pursuing your dreams.
I understand that the female lead may appear fragile, but it doesn’t mean that you should prevent her from pursuing what she truly desires. Encouragement and support should be the foundation of a healthy relationship, allowing each partner to grow and achieve their individual aspirations.
5. Winter Verdan from Death is the Only Ending for Villainess
Red flag: Mistrustful
What a pretty innocent face, isn’t it?
However, behind that enticing face lies a pair of eyes filled with mistrust.
Penelope, the protagonist, yearns for his approval and envisions him as her trusted comrade in her second life.
You see, it gets quite exhaustive when you meet a person who is always doubtful of you.
However, her aspirations begin to crumble when Winter orchestrates situations to test whether she is truly an ally or an enemy, ultimately breaking Penelope apart.
You see, it gets quite exhaustive when you meet a person who is always doubtful of you. May it be your actions, intentions, or what you speak, it feels like you always have to prove yourself.
Mistrust is a glaring red flag that should never be overlooked in any relationship. It signifies a fundamental lack of trust, which is essential for a healthy and thriving partnership.
No matter how faithful or virtuous you may be, if your partner consistently harbors doubts about you and views you as untrustworthy, it creates a toxic and unstable dynamic. Trust is the bedrock of any successful relationship, and when it is constantly undermined, it becomes difficult to maintain a healthy connection.
Remember that you deserve to be with someone who believes in you and places their trust in you. If you find yourself in a relationship plagued by constant doubt and mistrust, it may be necessary to reassess if he is the person you wanted to be until the end.
6. Park Minhwan from Marry My Husband
Red flag: Abusive
I know that you already lose your mind when you fall with someone like Minhwan.
Well, if Snow White is the fairest, this person is the most toxic of all.
Mihwan exhibits a lack of respect and empathy towards his partner, Kang Jiwon. He disregards her feelings, desires, and boundaries, prioritizing his own needs and wants above theirs. This selfish and dismissive really bothers me a lot while reading this one.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Mihwan’s actions demonstrate a propensity for verbal and emotional abuse. He engages in demeaning language, belittles his partner, and employs tactics that undermine their self-esteem and confidence.
If that is still not enough for you to hate him, well he attempted to murder his mistress and kill his wife. (*Oops, sorry spoiler!)
Overall, this character is so much for me to take, possessing the toxic and abusive nature of personality. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be aware of such traits and behaviors in real-life relationships, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing respect, empathy, and healthy communication.
So please, if that special someone of yours starts showing these signs, you got to watch your back.
7. Eros Orna Vasilios from Your Throne
Red flag: Manipulator
I save this character for last, because this one is the scariest of all (at least for me). His wit, tactics, and plans are something to be afraid of, unlike other jerky characters, he choose his actions well and is not decisive. He thinks too much which is really something fearsome to face off.
Firstly, Eros character is often depicted as manipulative and controlling. He uses emotional tactics to exert power and control over his partner, employing strategies such as guilt-tripping and gaslighting.
This manipulative behavior is deeply problematic and can be emotionally damaging to the person on the receiving end.
One of the notable red flags is Eros’s ability to blind his partner with his love, creating a sense of dependency and preventing them from recognizing the manipulation. This dynamic can make it challenging for the person involved to realize they are being controlled and manipulated.
The problem here is either it’s too late when you realize that he is manipulating you or you never realize it. You are so much blinded with his love that it gets too hard for you to leave, even after realizing all his toxic traits.
It is crucial to be aware of such manipulative behavior in relationships. Recognizing the red flags, such as guilt-tripping, gaslighting, and emotional control, is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced partnership. It is important to prioritize your emotional well-being and establish boundaries to protect yourself from harmful manipulation.
The Bottomline
While it’s easy to be captivated by the allure of attractive characters in manhwa, it’s essential to be aware of the red flags they may exhibit.
May this article serve as a reminder to look beyond physical appearances and delve deeper into a character’s behavior and actions. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing red flags in relationships to maintain a healthy and fulfilling connection.
By staying vigilant and prioritizing open communication and trust, we can navigate the world of manhwa with a clearer understanding of what to watch out for in our own lives.
So, should I cut him off once I found any of these?
Well, it depends.
I believe that if BOTH (not just you) of you truly love each other, you can work things out. Breaking up or maybe not continuing that blossoming relationship should not always be the immediate solution for every problem.
Commitment plays a significant role in relationships, requiring both parties to find a middle ground and work towards resolution. Ultimately, you and your partner will be the ones experiencing the highs and lows together.
So, be cautious of being swayed by surface-level attractions and always prioritize trust and open communication in your relationships. True beauty extends beyond physical appearance and resides in the genuine trust and connection between two individuals.
